Cheesy Chicken & Green Chili Lasagna: A Flavorful Southwest Comfort Dish

If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy, and slightly spicy twist on traditional lasagna, this Cheesy Chicken & Green Chili Lasagna will absolutely hit the spot. It’s a creamy, hearty, and flavor-packed meal that blends Italian comfort with a touch of Southwestern flair. I made this recipe using shredded rotisserie chicken and mild green chilies, and it turned out to be one of those dishes that make you go back for seconds — and maybe thirds. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings, delivering bold flavor and gooey, golden cheese in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna takes everything you love about the classic version — layers of pasta, rich sauce, and melted cheese — and gives it a Southwestern makeover. The creamy green chili sauce infuses every layer with subtle heat, while the chicken keeps it hearty yet lighter than a traditional beef lasagna. It’s easy to assemble, freezes well, and is always a crowd-pleaser. If you love Tex-Mex comfort food, this dish will become a new family favorite.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lasagna noodles: The foundation of the dish. Use traditional noodles or oven-ready ones for convenience. Cook until just al dente to prevent sogginess when baking.

Cooked shredded chicken: The protein star! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here — tender, flavorful, and time-saving.

Green chilies: These bring mild heat and tanginess to the lasagna. You can use canned diced green chilies or roasted fresh ones for a bolder flavor.

Cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess to the sauce, binding all the flavors together and balancing the mild spice of the chilies.

Sour cream: Enhances the sauce’s texture, giving it a silky, slightly tangy finish that complements the green chilies.

Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create those irresistible, stretchy layers of gooey cheese.

Monterey Jack cheese: Offers a mild flavor and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the chilies and chicken.

Garlic and onion: Essential aromatics that deepen the flavor of the sauce.

Chicken broth: Helps thin the sauce slightly, ensuring it coats the noodles and bakes to perfection.

Cumin and chili powder: Add warmth and a subtle smoky undertone to the dish without overpowering it.

Salt and black pepper: Bring balance and enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.

Fresh cilantro (optional): For a burst of freshness and color when serving.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

In a large skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the green chilies, cream cheese, sour cream, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in the shredded chicken and simmer for 3–5 minutes until heated through.

Spread a thin layer of the chicken-chili mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top, followed by more chicken mixture and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of sauce and cheese on top.

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people generously.
Preparation time: 25 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes
Resting time: 10 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot. You can also freeze the lasagna (unbaked or baked) for up to 2 months — thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Kick Lasagna: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce for extra heat.

Vegetable Green Chili Lasagna: Substitute chicken with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach for a vegetarian version.

Tortilla Layer Bake: Swap lasagna noodles with flour tortillas for a Tex-Mex inspired layered casserole.

White Sauce Upgrade: Stir in a handful of shredded Parmesan to the cream sauce for richer flavor.

Mexican Blend Cheese: Replace mozzarella and Monterey Jack with a Mexican cheese blend for a more robust, authentic taste.

Poblano Chicken Lasagna: Roast and blend poblano peppers into the sauce for a smoky, earthy flavor twist.

FAQs

Can I use oven-ready noodles?

Yes, they work perfectly! Just make sure your sauce is slightly thinner so the noodles cook evenly.

Can I use canned green enchilada sauce instead of making the chili sauce?

Yes, but mixing it with cream cheese or sour cream helps keep the lasagna creamy.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the lasagna, cover tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

What kind of chicken works best?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe.

Can I make it spicier?

Yes, use hot green chilies or add diced jalapeños for an extra kick.

How can I make it lighter?

Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat lasagna noodles for a healthier version.

How do I keep my lasagna from drying out?

Make sure there’s enough sauce to cover the noodles, and keep it covered with foil for most of the baking time.

Can I add beans to this recipe?

Yes, black beans or pinto beans can be layered in for added protein and texture.

Does it freeze well?

It freezes beautifully — just wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing.

What can I serve with this lasagna?

It pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted corn.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken & Green Chili Lasagna is the ultimate comfort dish with a Southwestern flair. Creamy, hearty, and bursting with flavor, it’s a refreshing twist on a traditional favorite. The layers of tender chicken, zesty green chilies, and melty cheese create a symphony of flavors that never disappoints. I’ve made it for family dinners and gatherings, and it’s always the first dish to disappear. Whether you’re looking for something cozy for weeknights or festive for special occasions, this lasagna delivers delicious comfort in every bite.

Hungry for more?  Visit our website for full recipes and follow us on Pinterest for daily foodie inspo you’ll love to pin!